Research on the development methodology for clinical practice guidelines for organic integration of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine

Integrated traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and Western medicine(WM)is a new medical science grounded in the knowledge bases of both TCM and WM,which then forms a unique modern medical system in China.Integrated TCM and WM has a long history in China,and has made important achievements in the process of clinical diagnosis and treatment.However,the methodological defects in currently published clinical practice guidelines(CPGs)limit its development.The organic integration of TCM and WM is a deeper integration of TCM and WM.To realize the progression of"integration"to"organic integration",a targeted and standardized guideline development methodology is needed.Therefore,the purpose of this study is to establish a standardized development procedure for clinical practice guidelines for the organic integration of TCM and WM to promote the systematic integration of TCM and WM research results into clinical practice guidelines in order to achieve optimal results as the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

The effects and prospects of the integration of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine on andrology in China

Andrology has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） discussions concerning andropathies, and documentation of relevant therapeutic methods abound in the ancient literature on TCM. Integrated treatment combining TCM and Western medicine has seen both broad and in-depth development, with formidable status in the field of modern andrology in China. This article attempts to demonstrate the unique advantage of integrated treatment in the therapy of andropathies through a review of the ancient literature on andrology in the field of TCM and on the integrative treatment of prostatic diseases, sexual dysfunction, male infertility and late-onset hypogonadism. There is a need for the advancement of a medical theory that integrates TCM and Western medicine practices to create a new therapeutic system with standardized therapeutic and evaluative protocols for diseases involving male sexual health.

Application of multidisciplinary team-based integrated traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine in rotator cuff injury patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery

BACKGROUND Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a common surgical treatment for rotator cuff injuries(RCIs).Although this procedure has certain clinical advantages,it requires rehabilitation management interventions to ensure therapeutic efficacy.AIM To investigate the effect of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine(TCM-WM)under the multidisciplinary team(MDT)model on the postoperative recovery of patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for RCIs.METHODS This study enrolled 100 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for RCIs at the Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 2021 and May 2024.They were divided into a control group(n=48)that received routine rehabilitation treatment and an experimental group(n=52)that received TCM-WM under the MDT model(e.g.,acupuncture,TCM traumatology and orthopedics,and rehabilitation).The results of the Constant–Murley Shoulder Score(CMS),Visual Analogue Scale(VAS),Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI),muscular strength evaluation,and shoulder range of motion(ROM)assessments were analyzed.RESULTS After treatment,the experimental group showed significantly higher CMS scores in terms of pain,functional activity,shoulder joint mobility,and muscular strength than the baseline and those of the control group.The experimental group also exhibited significantly lower VAS and SPADI scores than the baseline and those of the control group.In addition,the experimental group showed significantly enhanced muscular strength(forward flexor and external and internal rotator muscles)and shoulder ROM(forward flexion,abduction,and lateral abduction)after treatment compared with the control group.CONCLUSION TCM-WM under the MDT model improved shoulder joint function,relieved postoperative pain,promoted postoperative functional recovery,and facilitated the recovery of muscular strength and shoulder ROM in patients with RCIs who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Integration of traditional,complementary,and alternative medicine with modern biomedicine:the scientization,evidence,and challenges for integration of traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional medicine has garnered significant global recognition,with an estimated 80%of the global population using it.Therefore,it is essential to fully understand the integration of traditional medicines into current healthcare systems.This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the standard process to modernize traditional medicine scientifically in the context of modern biomedicine,further termed here as“scientization”.Specifically,we aim to summarize the advancements made in understanding the efficacy,effectiveness,and underlying mechanisms of herbal medicine.We also examined the transition from experience-to evidence-based medicine during acupuncture.Furthermore,we explore the development of universal safety and quality control standards.Finally,we discuss international trade and export markets for Chinese medical products.The development and integration of traditional medicine have allowed it to further improve human health,resulting in a more comprehensive health solution for the global population.

Quality of life and survival analyses of breast cancer cases treated with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine

BACKGROUND Breast cancer(BC)is the second leading cause of tumor-related mortality after lung cancer.Chemotherapy resistance remains a major challenge to progress in BC treatment,warranting further exploration of feasible and effective alternative therapies.AIM To analyzed the quality of life(QoL)and survival of patients with BC treated with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine(TCM-WM).METHODS This study included 226 patients with BC admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between February 2018 and February 2023,including 100 who received conventional Western medicine treatment(control group)and 126 who received TCM-WM treatment(research group).The total effective rate,side effects(alopecia,nausea and vomiting,hepatorenal toxicity,and myelosuppression),QoL assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire(EORTC QLQ-C30),1-year overall survival(OS),recurrence and metastasis rates,and serum inflammatory factors[interleukin(IL)-6,IL-10,and tumor necrosis factor alpha]were comparatively analyzed.RESULTS The research group showed statistically better overall efficacy,EORTC QoL-C30 scores,and 1-year OS than the control group,with markedly lower side effects and 1-year recurrence and metastasis rates.Moreover,the posttreatment levels of serum inflammatory in the research group were significantly lower than the baseline and those in the control group.CONCLUSION Overall,TCM-WM demonstrated significantly improved therapeutic efficacy while ensuring drug safety in BC,which not only improved patients’QoL and prolonged survival,but also significantly inhibited the inflammatory response.

Knee osteoarthritis:A review of animal models and intervention of traditional Chinese medicine

Background:Knee osteoarthritis(KOA)characterized by degeneration of knee cartilage and subsequent bone hyperplasia is a prevalent joint condition primarily affecting aging adults.The pathophysiology of KOA remains poorly understood,as it involves complex mechanisms that result in the same outcome.Consequently,researchers are interested in studying KOA and require appropriate animal models for basic research.Chinese herbal compounds,which consist of multiple herbs with diverse pharmacological properties,possess characteristics such as multicomponent,multipathway,and multitarget effects.The potential benefits in the treatment of KOA continue to attract attention.Purpose:This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the advantages,limitations,and specific considerations in selecting different species and methods for KOA animal models.This will help researchers make informed decisions when choosing an animal model.Methods:Online academic databases(e.g.,PubMed,Google Scholar,Web of Science,and CNKI)were searched using the search terms“knee osteoarthritis,”“animal models,”“traditional Chinese medicine,”and their combinations,primarily including KOA studies published from 2010 to 2023.Results:Based on literature retrieval,this review provides a comprehensive overview of the methods of establishing KOA animal models;introduces the current status of advantages and disadvantages of various animal models,including mice,rats,rabbits,dogs,and sheep/goats;and presents the current status of methods used to establish KOA animal models.Conclusion:This study provides a review of the animal models used in recent KOA research,discusses the common modeling methods,and emphasizes the role of traditional Chinese medicine compounds in the treatment of KOA.

Bio-soft matter derived from traditional Chinese medicine:Characterizations of hierarchical structure,assembly mechanism,and beyond

Structural and functional explorations on bio-soft matter such as micelles,vesicles,nanoparticles,aggregates or polymers derived from traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has emerged as a new topic in the field of TCM.The discovery of such cross-scaled bio-soft matter may provide a unique perspective for unraveling the new effective material basis of TCM as well as developing innovative medicine and biomaterials.Despite the rapid rise of TCM-derived bio-soft matter,their hierarchical structure and assembly mechanism must be unambiguously probed for a further in-depth understanding of their pharmacological activity.In this review,the current emerged TCM-derived bio-soft matter assembled from either small molecules or macromolecules is introduced,and particularly the unambiguous elucidation of their hierarchical structure and assembly mechanism with combined electron microscopic and spectroscopic techniques is depicted.The pros and cons of each technique are also discussed.The future challenges and perspective of TCM-derived bio-soft matter are outlined,particularly the requirement for their precise in situ structural determination is highlighted.

Systems Theory-Driven Framework for AI Integration into the Holistic Material Basis Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine

This paper introduces a systems theory-driven framework to integration artificial intelligence(AI)into traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)research,enhancing the understanding of TCM’s holistic material basis while adhering to evidence-based principles.Utilizing the System Function Decoding Model(SFDM),the research progresses through define,quantify,infer,and validate phases to systematically explore TCM’s material basis.It employs a dual analytical approach that combines top-down,systems theory-guided perspectives with bottom-up,elements-structure-function methodologies,provides comprehensive insights into TCM’s holistic material basis.Moreover,the research examines AI’s role in quantitative assessment and predictive analysis of TCM’s material components,proposing two specific AIdriven technical applications.This interdisciplinary effort underscores AI’s potential to enhance our understanding of TCM’s holistic material basis and establishes a foundation for future research at the intersection of traditional wisdom and modern technology.

Promise and challenges of traditional Chinese medicine,specifically Calculus bovis,in liver cancer treatment

Liver cancer,one of the most common malignancies worldwide,ranks sixth in incidence and third in mortality.Liver cancer treatment options are diverse,inclu-ding surgical resection,liver transplantation,percutaneous ablation,transarterial chemoembolization,radiotherapy,chemotherapy,targeted therapy,immuno-therapy,and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).A multidisciplinary team(MDT)is essential to customize treatment plans based on tumor staging,liver function,and performance status(PS),ensuring individualized patient care.Treatment decisions require a MDT to tailor strategies based on tumor staging,liver function,and PS,ensuring personalized care.The approval of new first-line and second-line drugs and the establishment of standard treatments based on immune checkpoint inhibitors have significantly expanded treatment options for advanced liver cancer,improving overall prognosis.However,many patients do not respond effectively to these treatments and ultimately succumb to the disease.Modern oncology treatments,while extending patient survival,often come with severe side effects,resistance,and damage to the body,negatively impacting quality of life.Huang et al's study published at World Journal of Gastroenterology rigorously validates the anticancer properties of Calculus bovis,enhancing our understanding of TCM and contributing to new liver cancer treatment strategies.For over 5000 years,TCM has been used in East Asian countries like China to treat various diseases,including liver conditions.Analysis of real-world clinical data suggests that for patients with advanced-stage tumors lacking effective treatments,integrated TCM therapies could provide significant breakthroughs.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Erhuang Suppository for Treatment of Persistent High-risk Human Papillomavirus Infection and Its Impact on Transcriptome of Uterine Cervix

Objective High-risk human papillomavirus(HR-HPV)infection is the chief cause of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia(CIN)and cervical carcinoma.The Erhuang suppository(EHS)is a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)prepared from realgar(As_(2)S_(2)),Coptidis rhizoma,alumen,and borneolum syntheticum and has been used for antiviral and antitumor purposes.However,whether EHS can efficiently alleviate HR-HPV infection remains unclear.This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of EHS for the treatment of persistent HR-HPV infection in the uterine cervix.Methods In this study,we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of EHS in a randomized controlled clinical trial with a 3-month follow-up.Totally,70 patients with persistent HR-HPV infection were randomly assigned to receive intravaginal administration of EHS or placebo.HPV DNA,ThinPrep cytologic test(TCT),colposcopy,and safety evaluation were carried out after treatment.Microarray analysis was performed to compare transcriptome profiles before and after EHS treatment.A K14-HPV16 mouse model was generated to confirm the efficiency of EHS.Results After 3 months,74.3%(26/35)of the patients in the treatment group were HPV negative,compared to 6.9%(2/29)in the placebo group.High-throughput microarrays revealed distinct transcriptome profiles after treatment.The differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in complement activation,immune response,and apoptotic processes.The K14-HPV16 mouse model also validated the remarkable efficacy of EHS.Conclusion This study demonstrated that EHS is effective against HR-HPV infection and cervical lesions.Additionally,no obvious systemic toxicity was observed in patients during the trial.The superior efficacy and safety of EHS demonstrated its considerable value as a potential cost-effective drug for the treatment of HPV infection and HPV-related cervical diseases.

Matching traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine-based research:Advanced nutraceutical development for proactive gastric cancer prevention

Gastric cancer(GC),the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally,is complex and heterogeneous.This review explores multidisciplinary investigations of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)combined with Western medical practices,emphasizing the development of nutraceuticals for cancer prevention.Using advanced analytical chemistry and food chemistry techniques,this study investigated how TCM components may be optimized for nutraceutical development.Focusing on molecular interactions with GC pathways,particularly the NF-κB,PI3K/Akt,and Wnt/β-catenin pathways,we examined the effects of TCM polyherbal formulas,extracts,and isolated compounds.These agents modulate apoptosis and cellular proliferation,underscoring their potential in preventive strategies.The convergence of nutraceutical and medicine food homology studies highlights a significant shift towards integrating TCM-derived compounds in a preventive health framework.This approach aims not only to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects but also to champion a preventive paradigm using personalized medicine to advance proactive health maintenance and disease prevention.The combination of TCM and western medical practices offers promising avenues for future research and practical applications in GC prevention.

Modern technology-based exploration of mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in prevention and treatment of gastric cancer

This review comments on the article“To explore the mechanism of Yigong San anti-gastric cancer and immune regulation”.We are interested that the article applied network pharmacology and bioinformatics techniques to elucidate the mechanism of action of Yigong Sang,a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),in the treatment of gastric cancer(GC).The mechanism of action of Yigong Sang in the treatment of GC has not yet been elucidated because it is composed of multiple Chinese medicines with multiple components and multiple targets.The emergence of network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis helps explain the mechanism of action of TCM in preventing and treating GC,and provides a possibility for TCM to transform from empirical to evidence-based medicine.This is of great significance for the application of TCM in oncology,new drug development,formula optimization,and the improvement of clinical efficacy.

Use of traditional Chinese medicine bezoars and bezoar-containing preparations in hepatocarcinoma

This manuscript used network pharmacology and experimental verification to analyze the anti-hepatocarcinoma mechanism of action of bezoars in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),discovering that it can affect the immune cells within the tumor microenvironment and related pathways to produce inhibitory effects in liver cancer.In TCM,bezoars have a unique therapeutic advantage in the prevention and treatment of tumors.They play an anti-tumorigenic role by regulating the immune microenvironment through multi-component,multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms.With the application of nanotechnology,bezoars and their compound preparations have been developed into anti-cancer drugs with unique therapeutic advantages,providing novel treatment options for tumor patients.

Advances in the management of arteriosclerosis of the lower extremity:Integrating Western and Chinese medicine approaches

This editorial provides a commentary on the recent article.The paper reviews current literature and explores innovative treatment strategies for lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans(LEASO)through an integrative approach.It highlights the effectiveness of combination therapies that merge traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)with Western medical practices,suggesting that such integrative methods may improve patient compliance and outcomes through personalized care.This paper stresses the importance of rigorous clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM interventions within LEASO treatment protocols,advocating for evidence-based validation of these combined therapies.Our recommendations emphasize accurate diagnosis,appropriate pharmacological in-terventions,the use of advanced surgical and endovascular techniques,and the inclusion of TCM to address underlying dysfunctions.Additionally,continuous monitoring,patient education,and lifestyle modifications are essential to slow disease progression and achieve optimal patient outcomes.The paper concludes by calling for further research to develop standardized treatment protocols that effectively integrate both Western and Chinese medical approaches in managing LEASO.

Molecular mechanism and research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer(PCa)is one of the most common malignant tumors in the male genitourinary system,ranking second in incidence worldwide.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),as an important component of complementary and alternative medicine,shows unique advantages in cancer treatment.Chinese herbal medicine is usually composed of multiple ingredients and involves multiple signaling pathways,which showed function of inducing apoptosis of cancer cells,arresting the cell cycle,inhibiting invasion and metastasis,reducing drug resistance,and regulating immune function.Physical therapy is also an important treatment of TCM.Currently,Physical therapy such as acupuncture or Tai Chi and Qigong are gaining increased recognition in the management of PCa,particularly in addressing issues like urinary incontinence and bone metastasis-related pain.This article reviews the TCM treatment and therapy of PCa,in order to provide new research avenues and treatment options for the treatment of PCa with TCM and improve the quality of life of patients.

Comprehensive effects of traditional Chinese medicine treatment on heart failure and changes in B-type natriuretic peptide levels: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Heart failure(HF),a common cardiovascular condition,is characterized by significant morbidity and mortality.While traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is often used as a complementary approach in HF management,systematic evalua-tions of its impact on clinical outcomes,TCM syndrome scores,and B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP)levels are lacking.This study fills this gap through a comprehensive analysis of randomized controlled trials(RCTs)focusing on TCM for HF treatment.It encompasses an assessment of methodological quality,a meta-analysis,and an evaluation of evidence quality based on established standards.The results offer crucial insights into the potential advantages and constraints of TCM in HF management.RCTs on TCM for HF treatment published since the establishment of the database were searched in four Chinese and English databases,including China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang,VIP Information Chinese Science and Technology Journal,and PubMed.Methodological quality was assessed for the included studies with the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool,and the meta-analysis and publication bias assessment was performed with the RevMan5.3 software.Finally,the quality of evidence was rated according to the GRADE criteria.RESULTS A total of 1098 RCTs were initially retrieved.After screening,16 RCTs were finally included in our study,which were published between 2020 and 2023.These RCTs involved 1660 HF patients,including 832 in the TCM group[TCM combined with conventional Western medicine(CMW)treatment]and 828 in the CWM group(CWM treatment).The course of treatments varied from 1 wk to 3 months.TCM syndrome differentiation was analyzed in 11 of the included RCTs.In all included RCTs,outcome indicators included comprehensive clinical outcomes,TCM syndrome scores,and BNP levels.The meta-analysis results showed significant differences between the TCM and CWM groups in terms of comprehensive clinical outcomes[risk ratio=-0.54;95%confidence interval(CI)=-0.61,-0.47;P<0.00001],TCM syndrome scores[weighted mean difference(WMD)=-142.07;95%CI=-147.56,-136.57;P<0.00001],and BNP levels(WMD=-142.07;95%CI=-147.56,-136.57;P<0.00001).According to the GRADE criteria,RCTs where"TCM improves clinical comprehensive outcomes"were rated as low-quality evidence,and RCTs where"TCM reduces TCM syndrome scores"or"TCM decreases BNP levels"were rated as medium-quality evidence.CONCLUSION TCM combined with CWM treatment effectively improves comprehensive clinical outcomes and diminishes TCM syndrome scores and BNP levels in HF patients.Given the low and medium quality of the included RCTs,the application of these results should be cautious.

The Transmission,Establishment and Cross-cultural Integration of Chinese Medicine in the Mainstream Healthcare,through the Eyes of a Generation of Visionaries and Pioneers

It has historically been very difficult to trace the history of the westward transmission of Chinese medicine through the accounts of its protagonists. Many of the early scholars such as Jack Worsley, Dick Van Buren, and Joe Goodman were reluctant to divulge information about the source of their knowledge, or their professional qualifications. Others, such as John Shen and Hong Yuan-bain were early 20th century immigrants who transmitted highly personalized versions of acupuncture and Chinese medicine to select disciples. Eventually, a new class of scholars appeared, including names such as Ted Kaptchuk, Peter Deadman, Nigel Wiseman, William Morris, Peter Eckman, John Mc Donald, Charles Buck, and the late Giovanni Maciocia who looked for answers back in China, developed translation methodologies and terminology, compiled the main textbooks currently in use at TCM colleges, overcame enormous scholastic adversity, developed courses and pursued the regulation and accreditation of TCM in various countries. This special issue synopsizes the path towards the global acculturation of TCM over the last 50 years, the main protagonists, the enormous accomplishments they have achieved for the profession, their philosophy, their clinical perspectives and visions for the future.

Integrative analysis of bone-formation associated genes and immune cell infiltration in osteoporosis, and the prediction of active ingredients in targeted traditional Chinese medicine

Objective To explore the differential expression and mechanisms of bone formation-related genes in osteoporosis(OP)leveraging bioinformatics and machine learning methodologies;and to predict the active ingredients of targeted traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)herbs.Methods The Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)and GeneCards databases were employed to conduct a comprehensive screening of genes and disease-associated loci pertinent to the pathogenesis of OP.The R package was utilized as the analytical tool for the identification of differentially expressed genes.Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)logis-tic regression analysis and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination(SVM-RFE)algorithm were employed in defining the genetic signature specific to OP.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analyses for the selected pivotal genes were conducted.The cell-type identification by estimating rela-tive subsets of RNA transcripts(CIBERSORT)algorithm was leveraged to examine the infiltra-tion patterns of immune cells;with Spearman’s rank correlation analysis utilized to assess the relationship between the expression levels of the genes and the presence of immune cells.Coremine Medical Database was used to screen out potential TCM herbs for the treatment of OP.Comparative Toxicogenomics Database(CTD)was employed for forecasting the TCM ac-tive ingredients targeting the key genes.AutoDock Vina 1.2.2 and GROMACS 2020 softwares were employed to conclude analysis results;facilitating the exploration of binding affinity and conformational dynamics between the TCM active ingredients and their biological targets.Results Ten genes were identified by intersecting the results from the GEO and GeneCards databases.Through the application of LASSO regression and SVM-RFE algorithm;four piv-otal genes were selected:coat protein(CP);kallikrein 3(KLK3);polymeraseγ(POLG);and transient receptor potential vanilloid 4(TRPV4).GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analy-ses revealed that these trait genes were predominantly engaged in the regulation of defense response activation;maintenance of cellular metal ion balance;and the production of chemokine ligand 5.These genes were notably associated with signaling pathways such as ferroptosis;porphyrin metabolism;and base excision repair.Immune infiltration analysis showed that key genes were highly correlated with immune cells.Macrophage M0;M1;M2;and resting dendritic cell were significantly different between groups;and there were signifi-cant differences between different groups(P<0.05).The interaction counts of resveratrol;curcumin;and quercetin with KLK3 were 7;3;and 2;respectively.It shows that the interac-tions of resveratrol;curcumin;and quercetin with KLK3 were substantial.Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the robust binding affinity of these bioactive compounds to the target genes.Conclusion Pivotal genes including CP;KLK3;POLG;and TRPV4;exhibited commendable significant prognostic value;and played a crucial role in the diagnostic assessment of OP.Resveratrol;curcumin;and quercetin;natural compounds found in TCM;showed promise in their potential to effectively modulate the bone-forming gene KLK3.This study provides a sci-entific basis for the interpretation of the pathogenesis of OP and the development of clinical drugs.

Feasibility and Challenges of Interactive AI for Traditional Chinese Medicine: An Example of ChatGPT

As a complementary and alternative medicine(CAM),traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)represents an established medical system with a rich history and abundant clinical experience.TCM is an empirical medicine,the process of which is analogous to ChatGPT’s learning and development model.In TCM,inquiry is a relatively objective way of traditional syndrome differentiation.Although various artificial intelligence systems related to TCM consultation exist,their interactive abilities remain limited.The study standardized the primary complaint and instructed ChatGPT to simulate a TCM practitioner,conducting three comprehensive inquiry tests.The results yielded unexpected conclusions,revealing that ChatGPT could simulate a TCM practitioner’s inquiry with patients,confirming its potential in the field of TCM inquiry.However,current applications still pose certain limitations and risks.Hence,to integrate ChatGPT-like language models with traditional TCM AI to establish an associative mode that can facilitate TCM diagnosis and treatment with more convenience and standardization is crucial,yet at the same time,it should be treated very carefully.

Effects of traditional Chinese medicine on symptoms of patients with spleen and stomach deficiency-related tinnitus

BACKGROUND Tinnitus affects 10%-30%of the population.Recent evidence suggests that tinnitus is associated with spleen deficiency.However,compared with kidney deficiency-related tinnitus,less research has been conducted on the impact of spleen defi-ciency-related tinnitus.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy of using Guipi Wan and dietary and lifestyle modification based on traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of patients with spleen and stomach deficiency-related tinnitus.METHODS We enrolled 110 patients with spleen and stomach deficiency-related tinnitus who were distributed into treatment(58 cases)and control(52 cases)groups.Tinnitus severity,sleep quality and emotional state were assessed by questionnaires[Tinnitus Evaluation Questionnaire(TEQ);Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI);Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale-21(DASS-21)]that were used for analysis in the two groups during the initial and intervention and after.In the treatment group,patients were treated with oral administration of Guipi Wan and consulted for healthy dietary and lifestyle modification.In the control group,patients were only assessed and not treated.RESULTS At the end of the 6-months,TEQ scores decreased significantly in the treatment group(P=0.021)but not in the Control group.Significant effects in the treatment group were noted for PSQI total score(P=0.043)and several PSQI component scores in the treatment group(P<0.05).After treatment,the DASS-21 scores were significantly reduced in the treatment group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Guipi Wan combined with dietary and lifestyle modification based on regulating the spleen and stomach can be considered core to the treatment of tinnitus related to spleen and stomach deficiency.